House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan asks DOJ to investigate former special counsel Jack Smith
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Rep. Jim Jordan sent a letter to the Justice Department requesting a criminal probe of former special counsel Jack Smith, alleging false statements in a congressional deposition, which Smith’s lawyers deny.
Republican Rep. Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday asking the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith. Jordan said Smith "seemingly made willfully and intentionally false statements of material fact" that conflict with documents obtained by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the referral and said it will investigate any evidence of criminal conduct. Smith’s attorneys responded that he gave truthful, responsive answers during his deposition and did not make false statements. They characterized the referral as an attempt to "weaponize the justice system" against a career public servant.
Jordan cited Smith’s answer on Dec. 17, when asked whether he sought a search warrant for members’ text messages, to which Smith replied, "No, I don’t recall that." The ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, said Jordan’s referral distorts the record, noting that Republicans never asked Smith about presidential records or text messages from members.
Senate Republicans recently released documents showing Smith’s team had reviewed text messages from 44 members of Congress during investigations into President Donald Trump. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said the review violated the Constitution’s Speech and Debate Clause and pledged to hold Smith accountable.
The request adds to ongoing political disputes over Smith’s investigations into the 2020 election and the handling of classified documents by Trump.